2015 Audi Q3 Compact SUV Coming to the U.S. This Fall

The growing interest in smaller SUVs and crossovers combined with the fact that German luxury rival BMW is already offering the X1 and Mercedes-Benz will soon launch the GLA in the States, has convinced Audi to move ahead and bring its Q3 to this side of the Atlantic.

Audi said it will host the U.S. premiere of the Q3 compact SUV at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week before it goes on sale as a 2015 model this fall at an, as of yet, undisclosed price, but surely less than the bigger Q5 that starts at $37,300.

The Q3 will launch with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four with 200-horsepower paired to a standard six-speed Tiptronic transmission driving the front-wheels or optionally, all four wheels through Audi's 'quattro' system.

“Coming off the recent A3 family announcement we are now for the first time entering into the premium compact class of SUVs with the introduction of the Audi Q3 into our line-up,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our growing SUV family will now offer three distinct products in the premium SUV category; and like the successful Q5 and Q7, the Q3 will continue with the established standards they started with regards to utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance.”

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